Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
1. Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter featuring rice, beans, fried plantain, chicharrón (pork rinds), arepa, and a meat of your choice. Solves the challenge of satisfying hunger with traditional Colombian flavors.
- Authenticity: Offers an authentic taste of Colombian cuisine that originates from the Paisa region.
- Variety: Includes a variety of traditional dishes on one plate, perfect for those who want to try multiple flavors at once.
- Popularity: One of the most popular and iconic dishes in Colombia, a must-try for every visitor.
2. Coca Ratona
A traditional fried dough snack filled with cheese. Solves the challenge of finding a tasty, quick bite to eat.
- Portability: Perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a side dish.
- Tradition: An age-old snack with roots dating back to the indigenous communities of Colombia.
- Affordability: A budget-friendly option for travelers looking to try local foods without breaking the bank.
3. Sancocho de Gallina
Chicken stew made with vegetables and spices, a comforting dish perfect for cooler evenings. Solves the challenge of providing a warm meal.
- Comfort Food: A traditional Colombian comfort food that is both delicious and nourishing.
- Homemade Taste: Made with homemade ingredients, offering a rich and flavorful taste experience.
- Wide Availability: Available in numerous restaurants throughout Santa Marta.
4. Arroz con Coco y Camarones
Shrimp and coconut rice dish with a hint of spice. Solves the challenge of providing a flavorful, seafood-based meal.
- Seafood Delight: A delicious shrimp dish that showcases the fresh seafood available in Santa Marta.
- Tropical Flavor: Infused with coconut and a touch of spice, this dish embodies the tropical flavors of Colombia.
- Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish, making it flexible to fit any meal.
5. Arepa de Huevo
Cornmeal flatbread filled with scrambled egg. Solves the challenge of finding a filling breakfast option.
- Breakfast Option: A traditional Colombian breakfast dish that is both convenient and satisfying.
- Handheld Meal: Easy to hold and eat, perfect for busy travelers on the go.
- Customizability: Can be filled with a variety of ingredients, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
6. Ajiaco Santa Martaño
Chicken and potato soup served with corn on the cob, capers, and avocado. Solves the challenge of providing a comforting, nutritious meal.
- Comfort Food: A traditional Colombian soup that is both warming and nourishing.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporates locally-grown potatoes, avocados, and capers for a truly authentic taste experience.
- Versatility: Can be enjoyed as both a lunch or dinner option.
7. Empanada de Bocadillo
Meat-filled pastry turnover. Solves the challenge of finding a portable, tasty snack.
- Portability: Perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a side dish.
- Tradition: An age-old pastry that is a staple in Colombian cuisine.
- Variety: Available with various fillings, including beef, chicken, or seafood.
8. Lechona de Santa Marta
Whole roasted pig filled with rice, onions, and spices. Solves the challenge of providing a festive, celebratory meal.
- Celebration Dish: A traditional Colombian dish typically served during special occasions.
- Flavorful Meal: Infused with a rich blend of spices, creating a mouthwatering meal.
- Community Experience: Sharing a meal with family and friends is an essential part of Colombian culture.
9. Chicha de Maíz
Fermented corn drink. Solves the challenge of finding a refreshing, local beverage.
- Authentic Beverage: An age-old Colombian beverage with roots dating back to pre-Columbian times.
- Refreshing Drink: Ideal for hot, humid days in Santa Marta.
- Cultural Experience: Sharing a drink of chicha is an important part of Colombian culture and hospitality.
10. Cazuela de Mariscos
Seafood casserole made with fish, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Solves the challenge of providing a seafood-rich meal.
- Seafood Delight: A delicious seafood dish that showcases the fresh seafood available in Santa Marta.
- Rich Flavor: Infused with a rich broth of tomatoes, onions, and spices.
- Versatility: Can be enjoyed as both a lunch or dinner option.
11. Bebida de Guarapo
Sweet sugarcane juice drink. Solves the challenge of finding a refreshing, local beverage.
- Authentic Beverage: A traditional Colombian beverage made from fresh sugarcane.
- Refreshing Drink: Ideal for hot, humid days in Santa Marta.
- Cultural Experience: Experiencing the process of extracting juice from sugarcane can be a fun and educational activity.
12. Masa de Gualante
Sweet corn dough dessert. Solves the challenge of finding a satisfying, traditional dessert.
- Authentic Dessert: A traditional Colombian dessert with roots dating back to pre-Columbian times.
- Satisfying Treat: Made with fresh corn, creating a rich and satisfying treat.
- Cultural Experience: Learning about the history and significance of this dessert within Colombian culture can be fascinating.
13. Arequipe de Tamarindo
Tamarind pudding made with milk and sugar. Solves the challenge of finding a sweet, refreshing dessert.
- Authentic Dessert: A traditional Colombian dessert that highlights the flavors of tamarind.
- Refreshing Treat: Ideal for hot, humid days in Santa Marta.
- Satisfying End to a Meal: A perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.
14. Postre de Guava y Queso
Guava and cheese dessert. Solves the challenge of finding a unique, flavorful dessert.
- Authentic Dessert: A traditional Colombian dessert that showcases the tropical flavors of guava.
- Unique Flavor Combination: Combines the sweetness of guava with the richness of cheese for a unique taste experience.
- Satisfying End to a Meal: A perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.
15. Bocadillo de Platano
Plantain doughnut filled with cheese. Solves the challenge of finding a tasty, unique snack.
- Portability: Perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a side dish.
- Tradition: An age-old snack with roots dating back to the indigenous communities of Colombia.
- Affordability: A budget-friendly option for travelers looking to try local foods without breaking the bank.